19 Comments
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Jean-Paul's avatar

This reminds me of the 16 questions about which the Buddha maintained a noble silence - not because they were unanswerable necessarily, but because they were irrelevant to the Work.

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Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you Jean-Paul! I love the teachings of the Buddha, they are very close to my heart

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Richard Ryal's avatar

What excited me to take up poetry as an adult was the hope to write closer to the borders of perception. It might not be the realm of silence but it might be closer to that. At the edge of language, new meanings and new perceptions may wait. Admittedly, this is likely why my poems don’t have a wider audience. But it’s where I feel the inspirations I can’t quite pronounce. And that feels exciting the way life feels best. As John Cage said, “I have nothing to say and I am saying it and this is poetry."

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Shannan Mann's avatar

wow "write closer to the borders of perception"... you're so well spoken (written!!?) 💙💙💙

LOVE that John Cage quote, I didn't know it before I think, thank you very much for sharing

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Jazmine Becerra Green's avatar

Oh, how refreshing it is to hear someone say all these things. Thank you.

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Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you Jazmine!

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Katy Prohira's avatar

Beautifully written <3

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Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you Katy!

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David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

Oh, I meant to add something that I am confident is right. That photo is a keeper.

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Shannan Mann's avatar

Aww Thank you so much David! Karan, my husband, took that one on Howrah Bridge in Kolkata

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David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

You and Karan are creating a niche in poetry that will, I believe, change the field of play, opening and widening the arena to create more opportunity for more voices. and for that we all owe you a vote of gratitude. Honestly.

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David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

On the mark again, Shannan, and so timely for me (and what else is important? 😂) embedded as I am in a beyond biodynamic craniosacral class where we are exploring the deepest levels of consciousness for four days. What a paradox our attraction to silence is because it is the gateway to our deepest fear—exposing our own true nature. There is plenty of silence within, but it is a minefield. Am I right? I don’t know.

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Shannan Mann's avatar

this class sounds amazing...how often do you take it? I'm so curious how you even sought that out!!

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David Dinner  Elder Insights's avatar

It’s my work, since retirement from being a periodontist. If you are interested, check out the book Stillness by Charles Ridley, Shannon. It connects into a lot of ancient systems of belief including Hinduism, Buddhism and the Tao, as well as modern osteopathy.

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It’s Me's avatar

what a treat this was - the writing, the insights, the picture - everything!

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Shannan Mann's avatar

Thank you so much my friend

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PM Dunne's avatar

Cohen was an amazing human being

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Shannan Mann's avatar

He truly truly was

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Pulao's avatar

Thanks for affirming me that not being able to spontaneously come up with comebacks isn't a flaw I need to correct 😅

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